M. Ward-Hold Time
Matthew Ward has always been one of those singer-songwriters that I’ve so desperately wanted to like. The Portland, Oregon native boasts a calm demeanor, but it’s clear that there’s much more to him when he opens his mouth and strums his gee-tar. Perhaps that’s why I found the whole She & Him concept to be incredibly enjoyable. Here was M. Ward doing something fresh (at least on the time scale of several decades) and unique. And then, just as I’m getting over Volume One, here comes M. Ward back again with his new LP Hold Time.
Hold Time is a great folk album. It won’t knock your socks off, and it certainly won’t sock you or bop you, but the truth is that there is something to be said for artists that are just a joy to listen to (I’m ending in a preposition, okay?). The jangly guitars on “Rave On” with the insanely catchy chorus of harmonious ‘I Say Rave On’s are a perfect example of just what M. Ward can do. The higher range vocals of M. Ward take a turn for the baritone on “Shangri-La”, certainly the highlight of the album. “To Save Me” is as infectious as folk songs get, with hints and tones of one Zooey Deschanel in the background. Hold Time has really impressed me, not just with its accessibility but also its listenability. So what are you waiting for?
Make sure to get a copy of Hold Time.
Listen to “Shangri-La”
Listen to “To Save Me“
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